Handling Medical Emergencies as a Puppy Foster
Fostering puppies comes with its fair share of surprises: some adorable, some messy, and occasionally, some downright scary. While we hope you never have to face a medical emergency, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping your foster puppy safe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through common medical emergencies, what signs to look for, and how to respond calmly and effectively.
1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first and most important step in handling any medical emergency is to stay calm. Puppies are incredibly intuitive and can pick up on your emotions. If you panic, they may become more distressed, making the situation harder to manage. Take a deep breath, assess the severity of the issue, and act quickly but carefully.
2. Common Medical Emergencies and How to Respond
Choking
Signs: Pawing at the mouth, gagging, difficulty breathing, pale or blue-tinged gums.
What to Do:
Check the Mouth: Gently open the puppy's mouth to see if you can remove the object causing the obstruction. Be careful to avoid pushing it further down the throat.
Perform Heimlich-Like Maneuver: For small dogs, hold them with their back against your chest and apply pressure just below the ribcage. For larger dogs, place your hands just below the ribcage and apply firm, quick pressure inward and upward.
Seek Veterinary Care: Even if you remove the object, consult a veterinarian to ensure no internal damage has occurred.
Note: Avoid performing blind finger sweeps, as they may push the object deeper.
Seizures
Signs: Muscle twitching, loss of consciousness, drooling, paddling movements, uncontrolled urination or defecation.
What to Do:
Protect the Puppy: Move objects away to prevent injury. Do not restrain the puppy or place anything in its mouth.
Time the Seizure: If it lasts longer than 5 minutes, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Aftercare: Once the seizure subsides, keep the puppy calm and contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
Signs: Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or throat; hives; difficulty breathing; vomiting; collapse.
What to Do:
Administer Antihistamines: If prescribed by your veterinarian, give the appropriate dose.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Care: Anaphylaxis is life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.
Note: Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medication.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Signs: Frequent vomiting, loose or watery stools, lethargy, dehydration.
What to Do:
Withhold Food: For mild cases, withhold food for 12 hours but provide access to water.
Reintroduce Bland Diet: After fasting, offer small amounts of a bland diet (boiled chicken and rice).
Consult Your Veterinarian: If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, or if there is blood in the vomit or stool, seek veterinary attention.
Note: Puppies can dehydrate quickly; monitor their hydration status closely.
Poisoning (Ingestion of Toxic Substances)
Signs: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, loss of coordination.
What to Do:
Identify the Toxin: Determine what and how much was ingested.
Contact Poison Control: Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for immediate advice.
Do Not Induce Vomiting: Unless explicitly instructed by a veterinarian or poison control expert.
Seek Veterinary Care: Prompt treatment is essential.
Injury or Broken Bones
Signs: Limping, swelling, visible deformity, pain, vocalization when touched.
What to Do:
Restrict Movement: Keep the puppy as still as possible to prevent further injury.
Transport Carefully: Use a comfortable travel crate setup or otherwise support the injured area during transport.
Seek Immediate Veterinary Attention: Fractures and severe injuries require professional care.
3. Performing CPR on a Puppy
When to Perform CPR: Only if the puppy is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no detectable heartbeat.
Steps:
Check Responsiveness: Gently shake or call the puppy's name.
Open Airway: Extend the head and neck to open the airway; check for obstructions.
Check Breathing and Pulse: Look for chest movements and feel for a heartbeat.
Chest Compressions:
Positioning: Place the puppy on its right side.
Hand Placement: For small puppies, use your thumb and fingers to compress the chest; for larger puppies, use both hands over the widest part of the ribcage.
Compression Rate: Perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, compressing the chest about one-third to one-half its width.
Rescue Breaths:
Close Mouth: Gently close the puppy's mouth.
Breath into Nose: Seal your mouth over the puppy's nose and exhale until you see the chest rise.
Ratio: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Continue Cycles: Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the puppy resumes breathing or professional help arrives.
Note: CPR should only be performed by individuals trained in pet CPR. Consider taking a pet first aid course.
4. Preparing an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any foster caregiver. Include:
Contact Information: Your veterinarian's phone number and the nearest emergency clinic.
Medical Records: Copies of the puppy's vaccination and medical history.
Supplies:
Gauze pads and bandages
Adhesive tape
Digital thermometer
Tweezers
Scissors
Disposable gloves
Note: Regularly check and replenish your first aid kit as needed.
5. Know Your Emergency Vet Options
Before an emergency arises, familiarize yourself with local veterinary services:
Locate 24-Hour Clinics: Identify the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Keep Contact Information Handy: Save phone numbers and addresses in your phone for quick access.
Understand Procedures: Know the clinic's protocols for emergencies, including after-hours services.
Final Thoughts
Being prepared for medical emergencies is a crucial aspect of fostering puppies. By staying informed and having a plan in place, you can respond effectively to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of your foster puppies. Remember, when in doubt, always consult a veterinarian.
